Week of March 3, 2019
CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Consecration Sunday
Sunday, March 3, 2019
"Common Misconceptions About Money and Giving"
(Consecration Sunday)
Reverend Keith Haney, Guest Pastor

Old Testament Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23
Epistle: Colossians 3:1-11
Holy Gospel: Luke 12:13-21
CONSECRATED STEWARDS
Consecration Sunday
TODAY IS CONSECRATION SUNDAY!!

On this day we will:

  • Celebrate the ministries of God that is carried on in this congregation by so many faithful servants.

  • Hear the Stewardship Journey of Andy and Sue Kunz.

  • Make our commitment to the work of Christ and His Church.

  • Join in fellowship and celebration at the Celebration Luncheon to be held in the School Gym following the 10:45 a.m. Worship Service today.

  • Our Guest Proclaimer today is Pastor Keith Haney, who has been serving as our Guest Leader during the Consecrated Stewards emphasis.

  • Our Bible Study Lesson today is entitled "A Present from the Past". Join us at 9:25 a.m. in the Heritage Room.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m.
(Ashes & Holy Communion will be distributed)
Join us for the Sermon on the Mount special service for Ash Wednesday on March 6, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. In this service we remember that we who are poor in spirit, who mourn, and who hunger and thirst for righteousness are called blessed by our Savior. Ash Wednesday reminds us that though we have been brought low by sin, our Lord will bless us with new life in him through the cross.  
A Chili Supper hosted by the Elders, will be held in the School Gymnasium at 6:00 p.m.
Midweek Lenten Worship Series
"Sermon on the Mount"
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
March 6 (Ash Wednesday) - April 10, 2019
Our Midweek series for Lent takes you through some of the most familiar teachings of Jesus from His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 and relates them to the events surrounding Christ’s life, death and resurrection. In the process, they will powerfully reveal that the cross itself is the ultimate sermon on the mount for our journey of faith in this sacred season.
  • 3/6 (Ash Wednesday): Blessed Are You (Matthew 5:1-12)
  • 3/13: Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
  • 3/20: Prayer and Fasting (Matthew 6:5-18)
  • 3/27: Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34)
  • 4/3: Judge Not (Matthew 7:1-5)
  • 4/10: Build on the Rock (Matthew 7:24-27)
Lenten Suppers at 6:00 p.m. in the School Gymnasium
New Lenten Sermon Series
"Refocus"
Begins Sunday, March 10, 2019
Distracted?
Focusing on other things?
Not focusing on…Jesus?

In this new Lenten series, “ReFocus”, we will be looking at those things in our lives that currently take our eyes of Jesus and threaten our relationship with Him and with others. We’ll examine everything from our obsession with smart phones to our “age of outrage”, from our busyness to our sense of entitlement. When our focus is so much on these things, we can easily lose focus on the One who matters most: our Lord Jesus Christ. We’ll also see what God’s Word says about these things and how Jesus should be the ultimate One we “focus” on and the mercy and grace He shows. This Lent, come and “refocus” on Jesus and His eternal love for you in the midst of so many things that distract.
  • 3/10: ReFocus…on the Creator, not the Creation
  • 3/17: ReFocus…on Building Up, not Tearing Down
  • 3/24: ReFocus…on What You Gain, not What You Lose
  • 3/31: ReFocus…on Working From Rest, not Resting From Work
  • 4/7: ReFocus…on Serving Others, not Expecting Rewards
  • 4/14 (Palm Sunday): ReFocus…on the Interest Of Others, not Only Your Own
GROW ...in the Word
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
Consecrated Stewards
"A Present from the Past"
Sunday, March 3 at 9:25 a.m.
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
Sunday Morning High School Bible Study
"Why Should I Trust the Bible?"
Sunday, March 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Downstairs Youth Room
Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton
Our current Bible class is titled "Why Should I Trust the Bible". This class will identify and respond to the many baseless arguments against the Holy Bible.
Kids, It's Celebration Sunday at St. John's...
So, Let's Celebrate!
Sunday, March 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Second Floor, Music/Choir Room
Come to Sunday School and learn a Jewish Folk Dance. We'll have a lot of fun! See you at 9:30 a.m. in the Music Room, Second Floor.
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday Women's Bible Class
Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Heritage Room

We are currently reading "Waiting - A Bible Study on Patience, Hope & Trust" by Sharon Fritz. If you have any questions, contact Lynn Kahl at (312) 890-0020 or email at lynnkahl50@gmail.com . We look forward to seeing you!
Early Risers Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:15 a.m.
Heritage Room
Men's Weekly Bible Study
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Heritage Room

We are continuing our study of the Gospel of Luke, following Warren Wiersbe's "Be Courageous: Take Heart from Christ's Example." If you have any questions, please contact Jon Fredrickson at jon_fredrickson@yahoo.com .
SHARE ...with Your Service
Raising Our Outreach Temperature
Board of Evangelism
Here is the "Raising our Outreach Temperature" for this month:  “Extend a personal invitation to an event with you like the Pancake Breakfast on March 10 2019, Church, or another event to connect with a person who might be outside your regular contacts. Your personal invitation might reach just the person who needs a friend.”
Candy Donations Needed
An Egg-citing activity is rolling out that will involve our Church, School and neighbors. Individually wrapped candy donations are needed to fill 2,400 plastic eggs and will be greatly appreciated. Please drop off bags of candy in the Church Narthex or in the School Office between now and March 31. Email j.strasser@sjlagrange.com with questions. Thank you!
Invest in Our Youth!
In the Church Narthex you will see a huge board with envelopes tacked on it. Each of the envelopes has a number written on it which indicates the amount of money you are being asked to donate to our National Youth Gathering Group. When you pick a number you would like to donate, you open it up. Inside you will find (3) things.  The first is a letter from one of the youth who is attending the NYG . The letter tells you who they are and why they want to attend the gathering. It also asks for your prayers.  The next thing you will find is a green card for you to fill out with information so that we can invite you to our after NYG Meal where we will feed you and share our experiences with all who donated to help us. The last item is a red envelope.  All you need to do is put your donation money (for example: if you picked the envelope with the number 34 on it, you are agreeing to give $34, you can give more than the number too) and the completed green card into this red envelope and give it to either Amy Strombom, Vicki Wykert, or turn it into the offering basket. All checks can be made out to "St. John's Lutheran Church" - memo: NYG 2019. A BIG THANK YOU for your love, prayers and support! Any questions, email v.wykert@sjlagrange.com
Interfaith Community Partners
Volunteer Drivers Needed to Transport Older Adults
Can you spare an hour or more a week to drive an older adult? Interfaith Community Partners is a non-profit organization that works together with volunteers to provide rides to older adults in the Lyons, Proviso, and Riverside Townships. Volunteer drivers provide accompanied transportation to medical appointments, therapies, and life-enhancing errands such as the grocery store, bank, hairdresser, and church. Contact us at (708) 354-9328 for a volunteer application, visit us on the web at InterfaithCommunityPartners.org , and like us on Facebook. We will train you and work around your busy life!
$5.00 Mite Challenge
If every LWML Members donates just $5.00 between now and March 31, 2019 we can reach the Mission Goal. Click here for more information.

Food Pantry Item for the Month of March:
Toilet Paper
Donations can be dropped off in the Church Narthex near the Connection Center.
SCHOOL NEWS
THANK YOU!!!
St. John's Lutheran School FUNdraiser 2019
THANK YOU!!! Your  generous donations, sponsorship's, and attendance at the FUNdraiser on February 9, 2019, helped raise over $27,000 for St. John's School! It was a great evening with good food,  great fellowship and fun was had by School and Church families and returning Alumni. Your generosity will continue to support the mission of providing a quality Christian education to St. John's Lutheran School's students. Check out all the FUN below!
TRIP Program
Whether you are starting your Spring shopping, or updating your wardrobe for the season, don't forget to order your TRIP cards! There are many choices for your shopping needs...click the TRIP logo above to learn more!

We will be placing TRIP orders on these upcoming dates: February 25, March 4 & 19
St. John's Lutheran School Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, March 10 from 7:00 am to 12:30 p.m.
School Gymnasium
Breakfast includes: Pancakes, Sausage, Fruit, Coffee and Juice
Admission: $5.00
6 yrs. and younger: FREE
CHURCH OFFICE
Membership Forms are Due!

If you haven't done so already, please return your cream colored St. John's Church Membership Form that you should have received in the mail to the Church Office, or place in the bin located on the Connection Center in the Church Narthex. Thank you again for taking the time to fill out this important form. Questions? Contact the Church Office at churchoffice@sjlagrange.com
Guide Book & Directory Advertising Opportunity
We are in the process of updating our annual Guide Book & Directory for the Church. This book will contain everything pertinent to our Church, plus a complete directory of all members. This book is provided and direct-mailed to each family at no cost to our Church, and it is again being subsidized by local businesses that advertise. if you own or manage a business and would like to find out about advertising in our book, please call the Church Office by Friday, March 8, 2019, (708) 354-1690.

Recent survey results by Guide Book Publishing show that 92.1% of families would rather patronize a Guide Book & Directory advertiser over a non-advertiser. It "will pay" to advertise in our new Guide Book & Directory.
LCMS Northern Illinois District
Visioning Events Invitation
We are in this together...Please join the LCMS Northern Illinois District President Allan R. Buss and the leadership of the LCMS Northern Illinois District at one of our Visioning Events.

The LCMS Northern Illinois District Team is engaging in a period of prayerful planning and seeking the Lord's vision for the NID. The first step is this process is hearing from you, the members of the district. All information is available at www.nidlcms.org/vision
Weekly Report from Board of Finance
Weekly Statistics on Congregational Giving to St. John's Lutheran Church & School
Anyone wishing further information on Congregational giving or the Church’s overall financial situation is invited to contact either Bob Roth, Chair, Board of Finance, or Jeff Baker, Congregational Treasurer, through the Church office, churchoffice@sjlagrange.com or (708) 354-1690 x210
Weekly Worship Attendance
Sunday, February 24, 2019 = 258
GIFT APPEAL UPDATE
G iving I n F aith T ogether
We are well on our way!!

The GIFT appeal is for $120,000 over and above regular contributions to close our projected budget deficit by March of 2019. From November 25, 2018 through February 24, 2019: $72,218 . Look for weekly updates in the Mission.
Can You Avoid Taxes?
The Qualified Charitable Distribution rules have been made permanent. This allows you to make annual direct transfers from your IRA to a qualified charity like St. John’s. In order to qualify for this bypass, you must be 70 and 1/2 or older.

Transferring an IRA distribution directly to a charity allows you to avoid taxes and the charitable contribution helps satisfy the required minimum distribution. By redirecting your distribution directly to St. John’s, it is not considered income nor a charitable deduction; it “bypasses” your tax return. Speak with your tax/investment Advisor if you have questions or contact:
Bob Roth (630) 325-7305
Jeff Baker (708) 446-9567
Tom Braun (708) 207-3720
Sunday Worship Schedule
Worship Service 8:00 a.m.
Education 9:25 - 10:25 a.m.
Worship Service 10:45 a.m.
Church Office
Office: (708) 354-1690 x210